Nashua Historical Society, ex-president reach settlement

NASHUA — A lengthy court battle between the Nashua Historical Society and its former president has come to a conclusion.

The legal action between the society and its former head, Terry Romano, has been “amicably resolved,” according to a statement from the group’s new president, Joanne Ouellette.

Romano, joined by a dozen society members, were appealing a superior court’s ruling that dismissed their petition seeking to reinstate Romano as head of the organization.

Romano, who was elected to serve a two-year term as president of the nonprofit group in May of 2012, was ousted by the society’s board of directors in April 2013 following several disputes.

In light of the court appeal, both sides agreed to mediation in May, and a judicial mediator was selected to work with the two parties. A settlement has now been reached.

As part of the settlement, the society is awarding Romano the title of Past President Emeritus through 2016, according to a statement from Ouellette.

“The society welcomes Ms. Romano’s continued support of the society,” added Ouellette.

Romano, along with some members of the Nashua Historical Society, previously argued that the board lacked authority under the bylaws of the organization to remove Romano as president, according to court records.

Still, the interim president and the Nashua Historical Society maintained that a supermajority of the board had authority to remove the president.

Romano said previously that the organization was divided, alleging she received resistance and was let go after trying to push for more accountability and transparency within the society’s operations.

“It was my intent to make the society more than outstanding — the best in the state. That was my hope, my dream,” she said earlier. “I am disappointed since I have always had great affection for the Nashua Historical Society.”

This week, Romano issued a statement saying that she looks forward to assisting the current society membership, and continuing her support of the organization.

Previously, a Hillsborough County Superior Court judge denied preliminary and permanent injunctive relief directing the society to reinstate Romano as president. The court dismissed Romano’s petition, maintaining it did not justify court intervention of the society’s internal affairs. That ruling prompted the prior appeal at the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

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